To find availability, you need to use a Star Alliance partner (i.e., Air Canada or United) and call Virgin Atlantic to make the booking. >> "Netflix and [Search for Award Space]"
Ask Sebby: I got a notif on your video the other night when I was about to sleep for the night. I jumped out of bed and started transferring out Amex Points to VA! I’ve been waiting for the transfer bonus since November! Lol! Thanks for putting the word out! We just booked 2 First Class tix from IAD to NRT in Late Feb to Early March for my husband’s birthday! It only cost us 185,000 Amex Points and $531.86 in cash to book tickets that would’ve been $44,836.80! It’s a definite 24 cpp redemption! Thank you so much for your help!! 🤩🤩
Sebby we need redeeming points for airlines 101. Lets get a video for those brand new to Amex and this is their first time booking a flight with their points. How do you book a domestic flight, and an international flight from beginning to end. How do you get the best bang for your points overall for Amex. Great video but for someone new to Amex points it sounds like you’re speaking a different language.
One thing to add on here - the transfer bonus is also extremely helpful for anyone trying to book a premium cabin on Delta. Virgin Atlantic routinely sells one way Delta premium cabin to Europe for 50-60k miles vs 250k SkyMiles. This bonus could go a long way to help you book a great trip on Delta.
I was initially going to cover DL as well but I figured it might be too confusing. Very good points -- a bit of me is hoping for more DL flash sales since I've been dying to try their DL One Suites.
Just did an ANA RT F flight using this model. One of the best values out there. Which means it likely won't be around for long. I called Virgin and made sure they saw the availability then hit transfer and it was instant.
I just took this trip in April 2019. Virgin Atlantic has the same promotion last year and I booked the first class trip for 89k MR points. I couldn’t believe it happened. It was an amazing experience. ANA has amazing staff that make this long trip very special! I am going to try and do it again in 2020 with this promotion. I can’t recommend it enough!
@@AskSebbyAbsolutely. Highlights from the booking process would be the customer service reps from Virgin Atlantic. They were great. They work with you to find the availability and they will hold any reservation you make with them for 24 hrs (I think). When you call, there is not a long line of automated responses to get to a live person. You call, and they answer the phone. Once reserved, you can go and transfer the points to Virgin Atlantic (which didn't take more than an hour to show up) and call them back to formalize the reservation. Easy Pease! There is a fee that you will have to pay along with the points. My fee was about $350 for a first class booking. As for the flight itself, ANA is amazing! It's the closest I have ever gotten to being treated like royalty. As far as highlights from Japan itself, that would take too long. Japan is a beautiful country. I would agree with your "YOLO" explanation except I am going to do it again next year. Lol.
you should do an updated version of this video. i have 80k chase points and 200k amex points. I am headed to vegas at the end of February. I want to know how to spend points wisely for flights. When should i buy points? how do i know when points are on sale? when should i redeem points? how do i know if booking with an airlines partner will save me points? What is the WHOLE process you take? Thanks!
The timing of this video is awesome . I was looking for a flight to Manila for next month for a friend’s wedding. I usually fly Delta for international flight but I guess I’m flying ANA this time. I have 160,000 MR points. I will be flying first class for the first time. Thanks Sebby.
Virgin Atlantic works really well for premium Delta flights too. It's mostly just pricing out your options and picking the one that fits best (and has availability). Reminder that for ANA search, you need to use a *A partner to find availability (something like Air Canada or United).
When I got all my signup bonuses last year, I used the points on a 10 year anniversary trip to Israel and Greece. It was all economy class flights on AF/KL (FlyingBlue outbound and SkyMiles return) and I got about 2 cents per point. Not great, but the date was set in stone and I didn't have time to earn enough to fly both of us up front. Still was an amazing trip and I wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise. I'm set on earning MRs on most purchases now, so I'm racking them up pretty quick. Not sure what we'll use them on yet. Japan is on the short list, as is Spain, and maybe a return to UK/Ireland. I live near ATL so award redemptions to Asia are a little tricky. Most of the usual airlines with good deals don't fly here.
Great Video! But I have a question. Let's say you planned on going to the Japan Olympics in 2020, so you transfer your MR points to virgin Atlantic to then purchase these award seats on ANA. What is the likelihood that there will be award space available during the dates of travel required to attend the Olympics? And will the award space be available 11-12 months prior to July 24, 2020 or do these type of seats only become available closer to departure date? I guess I'd just hate to transfer all these points if the availability is scarce or it's a last minute booking. Thanks!
Yes. 11 months out or 1-2 weeks out is usually when you'll find availability. You might find some random one's too (people canceling trips, awards being released, etc.) Supply/demand will be the biggest issue (and why I considered not doing this video since I'm in the same boat as everyone). On the flip side, lots of questions about Tokyo 2020 so I figured that it would help :)
Hello 👋 Sebby. Help! I’m a new platinum cardholder and new to travel. I have no idea which airline to choose traveling out of Phila domestically and internationally. Please make suggestions. Also, I’m not sure I understand the travel partners trick. I’ve watched your videos over and over again since Feb and I’m still confused. Delta or AA?? Who has the best and most affordable prices with a good level of service??? Pls help 🙏.
We're going to fly to Japan in April 2020, for a 16 night cruise to Vancouver. Not sure yet how long we'll stay in Tokyo beforehand, but it has 4 stops in Japan, 3 in Alaska.
I have been collecting points but this will be my first time transferring points to book a flight. If I want to book two round trip to Japan from the west coast...do I transfer all the points to my Virgin Atlantic account then book mine and my husband’s tickets or do I have to transfer it to separate Virgin Atlantic account? Thank you advance. Great video Sebby
Mr Sebby. My wife and I are hoping to fly to the Maldives using Amex MR points. We’ve never used transfer partners before. May I ask, what would you recommend? We each have about 175k points each, 350k total. Thank you and keep up the great work
Covered here: www.asksebby.com/blog/comparing-every-version-of-the-american-express-platinum-card If you're talking about the credit card, it's not really worthwhile.
Hey Sebby, my friend followed all your credit card advice, which I find great, but he is now unable to pay his mortgage due to the annual fees. He has 17 credit cards.
S L He shouldn’t have so many annual fees if he isn’t already going to come out on top. Sebby doesn’t say to sign up for cards, he says to sign up if you come out on top. Hence why he has calculators for most cards
ANA is my first preference airline since I need to travel between China and US at least once every year. This offer is perfect for me I think. Really appreciate your work!!!
Blog post might be easier to digest: www.asksebby.com/blog/best-way-to-redeem-american-express-membership-reward-points-for-travel Award redemptions (especially flights) is pretty confusing (i.e., using another *A partner to find award space).
Yeah, this is all well and good but good ahead and just try to book one of those first class international flights using points. They hold back maybe one seat at the most on any given flight and people jump on them a year in advance - they're gone almost before they're even available. I gave up.
Perfect timing! I'm going to Tokyo in 2020, but I fly out of a small city airport. How about tips for the rest of us that live in smaller cities.? I feel like these tips only apply for major hubs. I know I can fly to a major hub, but that can't be the only way to get things done 🤔
So I guess the obvious question here is, You must apply for all the different frequent flyer programs out there? Like Singapore's KrisFlyer, Virgin Atlantic's FlyingClub, AF/KLM Flying Blue, etc?
Yes! I’d like to see more videos like this. Especially how to book flights with partner airlines. I always seem to have issues figuring that out. Like how to use my AAdvantage points on their partner airlines or United etc
The booking part is usually complicated and can change. I might do blog posts for those (i.e., for this one, you need to use United/Air Canada to find partner award availability).
Good question - I did this exact redemption recently. You have to check award availability on United’s site (Star Alliance). Once you have found the R/T ANA itinerary you want, call Virgin Atlantic to put it on hold. Then transfer your points and call back to book the ticket. Virgin’s call center was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. It did take a good bit of research to find a R/T itinerary that worked for me though. But I finally booked and I’ll be flying ANA First Class in November. It does cost about $325/person in taxes.
Steven Guevara I am finding flights that are air canada on the way there and ANA on the way back( star alliance booking). Am I still able to redeem the same?
Luke Luciano - No that won’t qualify. It’s a unique agreement between ANA and Virgin. Must be R/T. I would try other cities that you might be able to connect through. That’s the double edged sword of award travel - you have to travel when you the award is available not necessarily when you want to travel.
Steven Guevara thanks for clarifying. Also from some more research I believe I can find flights directly through the ANA travel portal? Star alliance is not showing me any flights available through ANA.
Luke Luciano you certainly can. Most people don’t use the ANA site because it’s difficult to use. United’s is much easier IMO to find award availability.
Sebastian - in terms of deals like the one mentioned in the video, (AMEX-VA-ANA), is it leaps and bounds above any such related deals from say United LAX/SFO to Tokyo (United miles) or even Delta LAX to Tokyo (Delta Skymiles)? Also, with ANA which is a better route to fly - LAX or SFO to Tokyo on the 777-300ER?
I have a lot of Amex points that I need to use. What is the best thing to purchase with them? Flights, hotels, things on amazon? How do I make sure I would not just be better off using cash for things instead of the points?
It depends on how you value points. Does it pass your hurdle mark for the value you want to derive? Spend 5 minutes running the numbers for all your options (i.e., cash, MR, UR, AA, etc.)
@@AskSebby I'm all about destinations, the way I see it I'd rather travel to 2 or 3 places flying in economy than 1 destination in first class. As appealing as i know it is.
As someone who has never fly business / first, and mainly travel to HK / Southeast China. Which airline and class would you recommend first (points enough for one round trip)... Cathay, ANA, Singapore, etc.? Edit: Lounge wise, I can access the Centurion lounge in HKG, or other Priority Pass lounges, so not really a concern there. Am curious how good that wonton noodle is at the CX lounge and the ramen on ANA though :)
Cathay was great but expensive points wise with Amex (video on this soon). With MR probably ANA due to cost. It really depends on the currencies you have and how you want to play it.
Okay so...Serious question. I looked up fun flights from HNL to NRT on virgin and didn't find any ANA flights but i stumbled upon Delta ONE roundtrip flights for 70k virgin (54K MR after the transfer rate). Those are going for 2700$ meaning 5 cents per point (which is a steal). I probably can't go during that time that i searched but by knowing this information would you xfer points to virgin and hold on to it for a future flight? Or is there some limitations of not being able to hold points like they expire o.o Thoughts. But seriously, that crazy deal...
Delta's premium products is another sweet spot for Virgin Atlantic points. Definitely good value, especially if you find routing for Delta One Suites (LAX to HND is probably the closest; and doesn't really make sense to backtrack for you). To book ANA, you need to find award availability on another *A partner (like United) and then call Virgin Atlantic.
lol what availability? The Virgin ANA booking strategy has been well known for a while for those who don't use RUclips as their sole source of information. Availability is scarce at best and you must book WAY out in advance. The booking process is the most painful one I've ever had to deal with, from the phantoms to the phone booking. Another thing about using Virgin is that you can combine Citi TY, Chase UR and Amex MR to meet that 120k. But there is also incredible value to be had in transferring directly to ANA and booking J to SE Asia. Its only around 10k or 15k extra for 2 more J segments. 100k MR + $300 for something like JFK-HND-BKK-HND-JFK in ANA J is pretty insane. Availability is still crap though and transfers take 2-3 days, which is a huge risk given the shit availability. Either way, it isn't easy to book ANA awards in J or F unless you are VERY flexible with time.
Hi , Sebby. I was wondering if these other people on you-tube were watching you first before they do a video? You know who they are. It`s like when you have something new, with then an hour or 2, here they come with the same info? I was just wondering. Thanks for being the King of Credit, and Money.
Hey Sebby! In regards to transferring points, should you transfer the MR to VA Miles early? We don’t plan on traveling until end of next year, but also don’t want to miss out on the bonus of 30% until 7/1/19. Also, by the time I call VA I should already have the miles to transfer over prior to making the reservation for the award flight on United’s website, right?
I have a trip to Japan and South Korea coming up late September / early October 2020. I am a bigger girl and would love to fly first class if I could... even if only for part of the trip just for that YOLO experience. I wish I could pay points to someone like Sebby just to help me plan my itinerary. lol I am a numbers nerd, have worked in hospitality, and love to plan trips in my spare time but finding some of these reward trips is more difficult than the most elusive of damned Pokemon! I've watched a lot of redemption videos but still feel like I don't know where to start. I am still working on my Chase 5/24 so only UR points. If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated!
Randomly saw your comment while watching this is 2021 lol. Not sure if you can PM on RUclips, but feel free to reach out. I assume cause of covid you probably haven’t done your trip yet! Maybe I can steer you in the right direction :)
Hi Sebby! Would I be able to book a ticket for my boyfriend using my VS points for ANA? I know ANA has a policy regarding award tickets for family only
I can't find any flights on virgin Atlantic website for ANA flight to Japan from SFO that isn't 165,000 points on Delta at any months from October to February 2020. Am I doing something wrong?
You need to use another Star Alliance partner (United or Air Canada is the most straightforward) to find partner award availability for F/J. Call Virgin Atlantic to put a hold / transfer / etc.
I applied for the amex gold and got approved last month. My first statement was over 2k and i already paid it. My question is when do i get my sign up bouns and the membership points for the purchase i made?
Alejandro Salinas he don’t see much value in them cards so he won’t ever do a video. me personally i think it’s a good card !! lots of 3x category on everyday use
I might do a video in the future but not really competitive with other options that offer outsized value. It depends on what game you're playing / your goals obviously.
Do you guys get transfer promos? Base rate might still be fine (less of a deal) if it transfers out 1:1 to VS. For example, I know HK is weird (15 points to 1 partner point IIRC).
Amex point to VirginAtlantic for extra 30% point and book on VirginAtlantic ? i have check many different dates, I'm getting error message "There are no scheduled Virgin Atlantic "
You're very knowledgeable on this matter. However, it is very hard to understand and follow you because your putting out so many different numbers and stats and system at such a high speech rate. Anyway, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Great info! Currently in hoarding MR points mode to hopefully utilize for a future long-haul trip down the road. This kind of analysis is very helpful. Thanks!
Welcome bonuses offer outsized value. Otherwise it's mostly occupational: Consultants, business owners, ad agency/marketing (easily $50k to $500k in ad spend per month), office managers in small companies that get reimbursed (not uncommon at startups).
To find availability, you need to use a Star Alliance partner (i.e., Air Canada or United) and call Virgin Atlantic to make the booking.
>> "Netflix and [Search for Award Space]"
Ask Sebby: I got a notif on your video the other night when I was about to sleep for the night. I jumped out of bed and started transferring out Amex Points to VA! I’ve been waiting for the transfer bonus since November! Lol! Thanks for putting the word out! We just booked 2 First Class tix from IAD to NRT in Late Feb to Early March for my husband’s birthday!
It only cost us 185,000 Amex Points and $531.86 in cash to book tickets that would’ve been $44,836.80! It’s a definite 24 cpp redemption!
Thank you so much for your help!! 🤩🤩
Sebby we need redeeming points for airlines 101. Lets get a video for those brand new to Amex and this is their first time booking a flight with their points. How do you book a domestic flight, and an international flight from beginning to end. How do you get the best bang for your points overall for Amex. Great video but for someone new to Amex points it sounds like you’re speaking a different language.
Ask Sebby how do AMEX points do when converted to Alitalia MilleMiglia points?
Ask Sebby would love more videos like this.
lol, interesting is not the word.
"2020 is going to be a very interesting time..." "I don't know, something about 2020.". -Sebby Nostradamus
no one is going to 2020 tokyo olympics, and virgin atlantic is about to go bankrupt. what a year huh?
Yep, “...Something about 2020”.
lol, interesting is not the word.
Yes please make more videos like this on how to use and redeem points for travel. Thx
One thing to add on here - the transfer bonus is also extremely helpful for anyone trying to book a premium cabin on Delta. Virgin Atlantic routinely sells one way Delta premium cabin to Europe for 50-60k miles vs 250k SkyMiles. This bonus could go a long way to help you book a great trip on Delta.
I was initially going to cover DL as well but I figured it might be too confusing. Very good points -- a bit of me is hoping for more DL flash sales since I've been dying to try their DL One Suites.
Just did an ANA RT F flight using this model. One of the best values out there. Which means it likely won't be around for long. I called Virgin and made sure they saw the availability then hit transfer and it was instant.
People have worried about a devaluation for the last 1-2 years. Fingers crossed...
as long as Chase doesn't have a transfer promotion ;)
I just took this trip in April 2019. Virgin Atlantic has the same promotion last year and I booked the first class trip for 89k MR points. I couldn’t believe it happened. It was an amazing experience. ANA has amazing staff that make this long trip very special! I am going to try and do it again in 2020 with this promotion. I can’t recommend it enough!
Any favorite highlights? :)
@@AskSebbyAbsolutely. Highlights from the booking process would be the customer service reps from Virgin Atlantic. They were great. They work with you to find the availability and they will hold any reservation you make with them for 24 hrs (I think). When you call, there is not a long line of automated responses to get to a live person. You call, and they answer the phone. Once reserved, you can go and transfer the points to Virgin Atlantic (which didn't take more than an hour to show up) and call them back to formalize the reservation. Easy Pease! There is a fee that you will have to pay along with the points. My fee was about $350 for a first class booking. As for the flight itself, ANA is amazing! It's the closest I have ever gotten to being treated like royalty. As far as highlights from Japan itself, that would take too long. Japan is a beautiful country. I would agree with your "YOLO" explanation except I am going to do it again next year. Lol.
you should do an updated version of this video. i have 80k chase points and 200k amex points. I am headed to vegas at the end of February. I want to know how to spend points wisely for flights. When should i buy points? how do i know when points are on sale? when should i redeem points? how do i know if booking with an airlines partner will save me points? What is the WHOLE process you take? Thanks!
So are you going to propose to Mandy in Japan during the Sakura festival in 2020? 😬
Tino don’t even know what that means
This aged like fine milk
The timing of this video is awesome . I was looking for a flight to Manila for next month for a friend’s wedding. I usually fly Delta for international flight but I guess I’m flying ANA this time. I have 160,000 MR points. I will be flying first class for the first time. Thanks Sebby.
Virgin Atlantic works really well for premium Delta flights too. It's mostly just pricing out your options and picking the one that fits best (and has availability).
Reminder that for ANA search, you need to use a *A partner to find availability (something like Air Canada or United).
Just got my 125,000 Amex Platinum points so this video is a life saver! First-class flight here we come haha
The content just continues to get better! Thanks for putting this video out.
Hey Sebby can you do a how to for Singapore airlines reward booking?
When I got all my signup bonuses last year, I used the points on a 10 year anniversary trip to Israel and Greece. It was all economy class flights on AF/KL (FlyingBlue outbound and SkyMiles return) and I got about 2 cents per point. Not great, but the date was set in stone and I didn't have time to earn enough to fly both of us up front. Still was an amazing trip and I wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise.
I'm set on earning MRs on most purchases now, so I'm racking them up pretty quick. Not sure what we'll use them on yet. Japan is on the short list, as is Spain, and maybe a return to UK/Ireland. I live near ATL so award redemptions to Asia are a little tricky. Most of the usual airlines with good deals don't fly here.
Could we get a redo on this plz this year
Great Video! But I have a question. Let's say you planned on going to the Japan Olympics in 2020, so you transfer your MR points to virgin Atlantic to then purchase these award seats on ANA. What is the likelihood that there will be award space available during the dates of travel required to attend the Olympics? And will the award space be available 11-12 months prior to July 24, 2020 or do these type of seats only become available closer to departure date? I guess I'd just hate to transfer all these points if the availability is scarce or it's a last minute booking. Thanks!
Yes. 11 months out or 1-2 weeks out is usually when you'll find availability. You might find some random one's too (people canceling trips, awards being released, etc.)
Supply/demand will be the biggest issue (and why I considered not doing this video since I'm in the same boat as everyone).
On the flip side, lots of questions about Tokyo 2020 so I figured that it would help :)
Ok great, thank you!
Hello 👋 Sebby. Help! I’m a new platinum cardholder and new to travel. I have no idea which airline to choose traveling out of
Phila domestically and internationally. Please make suggestions. Also, I’m not sure I understand the travel partners trick. I’ve watched your videos over and over again since Feb and I’m still confused. Delta or AA?? Who has the best and most affordable prices with a good level of service??? Pls help 🙏.
We're going to fly to Japan in April 2020, for a 16 night cruise to Vancouver. Not sure yet how long we'll stay in Tokyo beforehand, but it has 4 stops in Japan, 3 in Alaska.
I have been collecting points but this will be my first time transferring points to book a flight. If I want to book two round trip to Japan from the west coast...do I transfer all the points to my Virgin Atlantic account then book mine and my husband’s tickets or do I have to transfer it to separate Virgin Atlantic account? Thank you advance. Great video Sebby
IIRC you can pay 1k VS to create a family account to book. Either Mandy or I will create a booking video in the future.
Be very careful before doing the Virgin ANA thing. Even for seasoned hobbyists, it is a royal pain. Research thoroughly. Be aware of phantoms.
Ask Sebby What does IIRC and VS mean?
@@tracynguyen8525 IIRC- if I recall correctly
VS- Virgin Atlantic miles
@@WHERESSS thank you
You should do a video on the ANA RTW award chart. It's complicated to schedule, but people get RTW business class for ~120k points.
It's on the list. People are confused by this already so I'm hesitant covering RTW; too many questions to address.
Mr Sebby. My wife and I are hoping to fly to the Maldives using Amex MR points. We’ve never used transfer partners before. May I ask, what would you recommend? We each have about 175k points each, 350k total. Thank you and keep up the great work
Love this type of videos Sebby!! YOLO lol .... any insights on that AMEX Charles Schwab card? What's the difference?
Covered here: www.asksebby.com/blog/comparing-every-version-of-the-american-express-platinum-card
If you're talking about the credit card, it's not really worthwhile.
Hey Sebby, my friend followed all your credit card advice, which I find great, but he is now unable to pay his mortgage due to the annual fees. He has 17 credit cards.
S L He shouldn’t have so many annual fees if he isn’t already going to come out on top. Sebby doesn’t say to sign up for cards, he says to sign up if you come out on top. Hence why he has calculators for most cards
ANA is my first preference airline since I need to travel between China and US at least once every year. This offer is perfect for me I think. Really appreciate your work!!!
I was going to make this a separate video, but you need to use United/Air Canada to find partner (*A) award availability.
This is sooo confusing 🤦♂️
Lol, stop smoking that lettuce.
Blog post might be easier to digest: www.asksebby.com/blog/best-way-to-redeem-american-express-membership-reward-points-for-travel
Award redemptions (especially flights) is pretty confusing (i.e., using another *A partner to find award space).
How do you actually book it with this method? Which site?
Great work, would love to see more of these types of videos in the future!
Yeah, this is all well and good but good ahead and just try to book one of those first class international flights using points. They hold back maybe one seat at the most on any given flight and people jump on them a year in advance - they're gone almost before they're even available. I gave up.
Perfect timing! I'm going to Tokyo in 2020, but I fly out of a small city airport. How about tips for the rest of us that live in smaller cities.? I feel like these tips only apply for major hubs. I know I can fly to a major hub, but that can't be the only way to get things done 🤔
Yamazaki single malt is my choice too!
So I guess the obvious question here is, You must apply for all the different frequent flyer programs out there? Like Singapore's KrisFlyer, Virgin Atlantic's FlyingClub, AF/KLM Flying Blue, etc?
I only create accounts when I need to (i.e., point transfers / flying the airline / crediting to that airline).
What’s the best way to use points if I only fly domestic?
Old video, but very informative. You were right about one thing, 2020 has been an interesting year
Hi,
Can you show me how to use American Express member points to purchase ANA business class ticket step by step? Thank you!
Yes! I’d like to see more videos like this. Especially how to book flights with partner airlines. I always seem to have issues figuring that out. Like how to use my AAdvantage points on their partner airlines or United etc
The booking part is usually complicated and can change. I might do blog posts for those (i.e., for this one, you need to use United/Air Canada to find partner award availability).
Does Amex points only good for business and first class? What if I want economy for my wife and 3 kids? Is it worth it?
You certainly were right about 2020.
What's the best current way to fly from Tokyo to LAX with rewards points through AMEX or transfer
Watching this in September 2021, lol I hope everyone is doing well this year.
Do I need to create a Virgin Atlantic account in order to transfer my AMEX points ?
Disagree on tuition payments with AmEx. I haven’t found a college yet that would accept it. Visa/MC? Yes, with a $30-$70 convenience fee.
It depends on the college. I think mine takes Amex, but I know they take Visa and MC for free.
Plastiq for tuition (2.5% fee): www.asksebby.com/blog/how-plastiq-works-and-what-you-can-pay
Hi Sebby. So I checked online at virgin atlantic but it doesn’t show routes to asia? How to you redeem flights to Japan with ANA? Do you have to call?
Good question - I did this exact redemption recently. You have to check award availability on United’s site (Star Alliance). Once you have found the R/T ANA itinerary you want, call Virgin Atlantic to put it on hold. Then transfer your points and call back to book the ticket. Virgin’s call center was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. It did take a good bit of research to find a R/T itinerary that worked for me though. But I finally booked and I’ll be flying ANA First Class in November. It does cost about $325/person in taxes.
Steven Guevara I am finding flights that are air canada on the way there and ANA on the way back( star alliance booking). Am I still able to redeem the same?
Luke Luciano - No that won’t qualify. It’s a unique agreement between ANA and Virgin. Must be R/T. I would try other cities that you might be able to connect through. That’s the double edged sword of award travel - you have to travel when you the award is available not necessarily when you want to travel.
Steven Guevara thanks for clarifying. Also from some more research I believe I can find flights directly through the ANA travel portal? Star alliance is not showing me any flights available through ANA.
Luke Luciano you certainly can. Most people don’t use the ANA site because it’s difficult to use. United’s is much easier IMO to find award availability.
Sebastian - in terms of deals like the one mentioned in the video, (AMEX-VA-ANA), is it leaps and bounds above any such related deals from say United LAX/SFO to Tokyo (United miles) or even Delta LAX to Tokyo (Delta Skymiles)?
Also, with ANA which is a better route to fly - LAX or SFO to Tokyo on the 777-300ER?
Hi Sebby, I would like to know it will benefit me to have Amex MR points to travel by Emirates or Srilankan flights
I have a lot of Amex points that I need to use. What is the best thing to purchase with them? Flights, hotels, things on amazon? How do I make sure I would not just be better off using cash for things instead of the points?
If CPP = 2+ then use points
else, use cash
www.asksebby.com/blog/the-best-and-worst-ways-to-use-american-express-membership-reward-mr-points
Any thoughts on economy transfer partners from US to asia
First and Bus class ...great, but would this still be a great deal for economy?
It depends on how you value points. Does it pass your hurdle mark for the value you want to derive? Spend 5 minutes running the numbers for all your options (i.e., cash, MR, UR, AA, etc.)
@@AskSebby I'm all about destinations, the way I see it I'd rather travel to 2 or 3 places flying in economy than 1 destination in first class. As appealing as i know it is.
As someone who has never fly business / first, and mainly travel to HK / Southeast China. Which airline and class would you recommend first (points enough for one round trip)... Cathay, ANA, Singapore, etc.?
Edit: Lounge wise, I can access the Centurion lounge in HKG, or other Priority Pass lounges, so not really a concern there. Am curious how good that wonton noodle is at the CX lounge and the ramen on ANA though :)
Cathay was great but expensive points wise with Amex (video on this soon).
With MR probably ANA due to cost. It really depends on the currencies you have and how you want to play it.
@@AskSebby Thanks!
Hey,
Just wanted to see if you had any information on the trade value for Aeromexico points? Worth it or not?
I haven’t seen ana first class but their business class is too old I think although their points redemption for round trip to japan is amazing.
Watching this in 2022 and man, the way we didn't know Rona was gonna just massacre our 2020 travel plans 😭😭😭. Missed out on Tokyo :(
Okay so...Serious question.
I looked up fun flights from HNL to NRT on virgin and didn't find any ANA flights but i stumbled upon Delta ONE roundtrip flights for 70k virgin (54K MR after the transfer rate). Those are going for 2700$ meaning 5 cents per point (which is a steal). I probably can't go during that time that i searched but by knowing this information would you xfer points to virgin and hold on to it for a future flight? Or is there some limitations of not being able to hold points like they expire o.o Thoughts. But seriously, that crazy deal...
Delta's premium products is another sweet spot for Virgin Atlantic points. Definitely good value, especially if you find routing for Delta One Suites (LAX to HND is probably the closest; and doesn't really make sense to backtrack for you).
To book ANA, you need to find award availability on another *A partner (like United) and then call Virgin Atlantic.
This was so helpful! Thanks Sebby!
Do you always need to book a year ahead to get availabilities?
Thank you
Uh oh. Secret's out. There goes all the availability.
lol what availability? The Virgin ANA booking strategy has been well known for a while for those who don't use RUclips as their sole source of information. Availability is scarce at best and you must book WAY out in advance. The booking process is the most painful one I've ever had to deal with, from the phantoms to the phone booking. Another thing about using Virgin is that you can combine Citi TY, Chase UR and Amex MR to meet that 120k. But there is also incredible value to be had in transferring directly to ANA and booking J to SE Asia. Its only around 10k or 15k extra for 2 more J segments. 100k MR + $300 for something like JFK-HND-BKK-HND-JFK in ANA J is pretty insane. Availability is still crap though and transfers take 2-3 days, which is a huge risk given the shit availability. Either way, it isn't easy to book ANA awards in J or F unless you are VERY flexible with time.
Is it ok to redeem air china award with virgin atlantic. LAX>PEK how much miles for round trip first class?
Shelby I have 260,502 AE points would like get 2 round trip business class to Tokyo any suggestion?
Thanks Sebby. Any chance you can notify us when this promotion passes again.
Yes.
Hi , Sebby. I was wondering if these other people on you-tube were watching you first before they do a video? You know who they are. It`s like when you have something new, with then an hour or 2, here they come with the same info? I was just wondering. Thanks for being the King of Credit, and Money.
Hey Sebby! Huge fan! How long do these transfer promotions typically last for?
video on which credit card you use to buy an engagement ring?
blue business plus
In hind sight, yes there is something about “2020”
i live in the midwest how to i maximize my points lol theres like no transfer partners for me :0
Hey Sebby! In regards to transferring points, should you transfer the MR to VA Miles early? We don’t plan on traveling until end of next year, but also don’t want to miss out on the bonus of 30% until 7/1/19. Also, by the time I call VA I should already have the miles to transfer over prior to making the reservation for the award flight on United’s website, right?
Transfer points only when you are ready to buy tickets
I have a trip to Japan and South Korea coming up late September / early October 2020. I am a bigger girl and would love to fly first class if I could... even if only for part of the trip just for that YOLO experience. I wish I could pay points to someone like Sebby just to help me plan my itinerary. lol I am a numbers nerd, have worked in hospitality, and love to plan trips in my spare time but finding some of these reward trips is more difficult than the most elusive of damned Pokemon!
I've watched a lot of redemption videos but still feel like I don't know where to start. I am still working on my Chase 5/24 so only UR points. If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated!
Randomly saw your comment while watching this is 2021 lol. Not sure if you can PM on RUclips, but feel free to reach out. I assume cause of covid you probably haven’t done your trip yet! Maybe I can steer you in the right direction :)
Yes
Please more on this redemption tricks
4:04 Foreshadowing how bad 2020 was going to be "Idk something about 2020" 😂😂
Yeah, 2020 was yikes bad.
thank great advice
I’ve been trying to book a hotel for the 2020 Olympics but it seems like everything is now booked up.. 👎🏽😿
Most hotel availability opens up 365 days in advance. (not available yet) 🤐
Hi Sebby! Would I be able to book a ticket for my boyfriend using my VS points for ANA? I know ANA has a policy regarding award tickets for family only
You can pay 1k VS to make a family plan to pool points. I'm not sure if BF/GF would work -- for all I (or VS) knows, you're engaged!
great info thanks
Are there similar promotions with other airlines for transfer bonuses ever?
Yes. Flying Blue just had a similar promo.
I can't find any flights on virgin Atlantic website for ANA flight to Japan from SFO that isn't 165,000 points on Delta at any months from October to February 2020. Am I doing something wrong?
You need to use another Star Alliance partner (United or Air Canada is the most straightforward) to find partner award availability for F/J. Call Virgin Atlantic to put a hold / transfer / etc.
I applied for the amex gold and got approved last month. My first statement was over 2k and i already paid it. My question is when do i get my sign up bouns and the membership points for the purchase i made?
They could be reviewing the transactions to ensure there isn't anything manufactured.
I don't remember where I read that on 5/09/2019 they will change American express blue cash or something like that can you enlighten us?
I'll cover BCP in a future video. It has nothing to do with this though since it doesn't even earn MR points.
Is there a reason besides luxury for first class with point opposed to economy?
Literally comfort, if it’s going to be a 10+ hour flight ten I’d opt for business or first class
Idk if you saw my comment on one of your previous videos , but can you review the navy federal Amex card ?
Alejandro Salinas he don’t see much value in them cards so he won’t ever do a video. me personally i think it’s a good card !! lots of 3x category on everyday use
I might do a video in the future but not really competitive with other options that offer outsized value.
It depends on what game you're playing / your goals obviously.
Ask Sebby thanks for the reply , I love your videos, keep up the great work bro!
Does this work if you based in Australia and have Amex card issued in Australia?
Do you guys get transfer promos? Base rate might still be fine (less of a deal) if it transfers out 1:1 to VS.
For example, I know HK is weird (15 points to 1 partner point IIRC).
If an award space is available in ANA's website, can VA agents see that?
I would use another *A partner to find availability (i.e., search for *A partner award space for F/J on Air Canada or United).
Yes pls make more videos like this
Amex point to VirginAtlantic for extra 30% point and book on VirginAtlantic ? i have check many different dates, I'm getting error message "There are no scheduled Virgin Atlantic "
You need to find availability on a *A partner (AC/UA) and call VS to do the booking.
Looking very nice....Thank you...
Great video, I have 500000 points no idea how to use them. Help if u can.
How to transfer amex to American Airlines
AA isn't a transfer partner for Amex. Maybe look into OW partners to book AA? i.e., Etihad.
Perfect timing
I got 70k points I am waiting to get to 100k to use them. Thanks for the video
🤯 75k?!?! RT.. im.gonna have to rewatch this when it ain't bed time.LOL
I didn't cover this but you need to use another Star Alliance partner (i.e., United) to find award space.
nice
Feel so poor. Only have 25k MR points
Seriously. Mr transfers are complicated enough. Help us!!!
You're very knowledgeable on this matter. However, it is very hard to understand and follow you because your putting out so many different numbers and stats and system at such a high speech rate. Anyway, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
prosperwell1 I find myself having bro watch it about three times to grasp the main points
Congrats on your channel! BIG LIKE from me! Blessings to you my friend! :)
so.... it is round trip 93000MR and not one way ??
www.asksebby.com/blog/best-way-to-redeem-american-express-membership-reward-points-for-travel
Can you cover AMEX's new "upgrade with points"? it's a new feature coming out today
The minimum bid makes it bad value (to me at least).
Probably cheaper to bid with cash at that point.
Great info! Currently in hoarding MR points mode to hopefully utilize for a future long-haul trip down the road. This kind of analysis is very helpful. Thanks!
How does the average person generate this many points outside of the sign up bonus? Reselling and manufactured spending seems like a waste of time.
Welcome bonuses offer outsized value.
Otherwise it's mostly occupational:
Consultants, business owners, ad agency/marketing (easily $50k to $500k in ad spend per month), office managers in small companies that get reimbursed (not uncommon at startups).
YUS
👍
“Something about 2020”
Lol that didn't age well. Someone restart 2020.
Really sad reading the comments on this video, full of excitement about trips in 2020 that were not to be...